§ 34-428. Rat-proofing.

(a)

Rat-proofing. The owners of all commercial structures shall have such buildings rat-proofed and kept rat-proofed in accordance with this article.

(b)

Effective barrier. An effective, rat-proof barrier to exclude rats shall be in place on all openings to the outside of all commercial buildings. Materials used for rat-proofing shall include cement, concrete, brick masonry laid in cement mortar, sheet metal, and 20 gauge or thicker wire cloth screen having a mesh of one-half inch or less. All materials for rat-proofing shall be of such strength and thickness as to be impervious to rat gnawing. Windows and other openings for light or ventilation that may be reached or entered by rats shall be covered with wire screen with no breaks or openings. All exterior doors shall be protected against the gnawing of rats by the use of materials described above. When closed, all exterior doors shall have a maximum clearance between doors, doorsills and jambs not exceeding three-eighths of an inch. Rat-proofing method shall be approved by the board of health.

(c)

Maintaining rat-proofing. All commercial structures hereafter erected, enlarged, or repaired shall be rat-proofed and maintained in a rat-proofed condition in accordance with this article. No person shall remove the rat-proofing from any building for any purpose and then fail to restore the building to a satisfactory, rat-proof condition, or to make any new openings that are not closed or sealed against the entry of rats.

(Ord. No. 09-0120, 1-7-09; Ord. No. 18-0340, Att. A, 5-16-18)